Time to un-retire...

Hello All. Long time lurker, first time OP. Between here and the other site, I've kind of landed on some priorities and considerations that I'd like to think through as I contemplate coming out of retirement to pursue another career. I'm almost 60, based in mid-Missouri, retired military and retired aerospace. We are about to become empty-nesters, so family time will not be at the top of the list any longer and I can do a week or two or three out at a time pretty easily and can flex between all of them if needed. Are there companies that have this type of wide-ranging assignments available? The second most important thing I think I'd like is flexibility in lanes and regions and countries served so I can see more of this great country (and our neighbors, if possible). I am not smart enough yet to have any opinion on van vs tanker vs flatbed. As a new hire, do you have to choose one and stick with it, because I really don't know enough about any of them. Another priority is a company with a rider program, as I think the wife will be willing to accompany me on occasion. A pet policy is a related consideration, but not a deciding factor. Another consideration is the number of terminals a company has...does a well-dispersed and updated set of terminals really matter to experienced drivers, or are they just shiny, distracting fluff? Lastly, am I asking the right questions? What else should I be looking at? Thanks in advance!

 

Thanks xlsdraw, that's a good thought and I appreciate it! Some of the companies I am looking at clearly specify using their company provided (selected?) doctor for the physical and their hiring process. Making sure I can pass with at least some doctor, somewhere beforehand sounds like good advice for not wasting a bunch of time and effort. No chronic illnesses or other things that I'm aware of, but I've not had a physical in a few years now, so it's probably time to make sure I'm as healthy as I think I am.
Best regards,
RWL

 

Thank you Chinatown, really appreciate it! I hadn't been able to find info on specific jobs, routes, or load types on their website. I'm assuming since the site says they cover the entire US and parts of Canada that fills a big part of the considerations, but I wasn't sure if they go into Mexico (low priority, but of interest). My question about terminals is based on my ignorance of the industry...I just kinda assumed that more terminals meant the ability to drop in to "shower, exercise, do laundry and enjoy other amenities" much more often. Having only a few (4 or 5 for CFI?) across the entire country would seem to make that a rare event. Are those amenities a big deal or can they be found at most truckstops?

Lastly, thanks for the link! I found the regional and OTR divisions, and will keep looking for the temperature controlled. Also found the expect to be out "for two to three weeks at a time" blurb which seems to be about right for where I am in life at this time.
Best regards,
RWL

 

Thanks Lunatic Fringe, I appreciate the input. And I am sincerely trying to figure out, what are the right questions to be asking? In the trainer's truck seems to be well after the horse is out of the barn. What issues do I need to be thinking through with respect to the lifestyle? What other considerations should be a priority?
Thanks and best regards!
RWL

 

Thanks Chinatown...I'm thinking the wife will take a dim view of my attempting to convince her that this a good solution for the two of us .
Best,
RWL